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Re: Super 20 Fan Club

That would be me - as you know, Grumps, because of my inquiry on the communication on shipping in another thread. Well, it's on it's way! I agree, it doesn't look pretty by ordinary standards. But I happen to like the wear on a horn - my Zeph alto is exactly like that. The seller, Quinntheeskimo, had a ton of photos so there are no surprises.

This Super 20 is the result of slowly easing into King territory for me. Played a markVII for more than 20 years, then, after a 7 year break from playing, the aquisition of a 10M - which I still love, make no mistake. Got a Voll True alto, then the Zeph, and now the time has come. I'm tickled pink! I'm very curious to find out if this horn - that has all the appearances of s players horn - is indeed that: a player.

My first jazz record was from the record collection of my parents: the Johnny Griffin 6tet. I can sing every solo on that album in my sleep... And it took me quite a while to find out that the horn that Johnny was pictured with on the record sleeve was a Super 20. So, indeed, it is time!

Re: Super 20 Fan Club

Originally Posted by Rennie

This Super 20 is the result of slowly easing into King territory for me. Played a markVII for more than 20 years, then, after a 7 year break from playing, the aquisition of a 10M - which I still love, make no mistake. Got a Voll True alto, then the Zeph, and now the time has come.

I traveled a very similar path. Played a VII tenor for over 20 years, then got a 10M. I also have a Zephyr alto that my son used in school. When I got to try out a Zephyr tenor a few years back, I was soon on the road to replacing my VII with a back-up King. Now I've got the King and Conn tenors to choose from depending upon the gig.

Re: Super 20 Fan Club

Hey Grumps, that is cool! It could be the different onslaughts of GAS worked out that way, or could it be a similar concept of tone? My preferences oscillate between the firm, dark brown sound of Sonny or Dexter or the more ethereal, mercurial sound of Wayne Shorter or even Warne Marsh. Does a Super 20 fit that bill? I don't know - all I know is that whenever I could try one out it seemed to shape itself to my hands and breath - and that is a feeling i'd like to perpetuate.

Re: Super 20 Fan Club

Hello!

Just bought a King Super 20 Alto with full pearls! Great horn! I always wanted one and now there was the possibility to get one.
Bought it from Micheal Ward, nice guy and we had a smooth international transaction. Highly recommanded to deal with.

Re: Super 20 Fan Club

And today it arrived! The horn with severe leprosy is in my hands, after paying a tidy sum for customs. I played it just a few minutes, and already some interesting characteristics are evident: blowing it it seemed not at all to have that fat sound that I expected - but my girl friend kept insisting it was a big sound nonetheless. She made a recording and behold! Amazing sound! It is true, being behind the horn is totally different from being in front.
I'll really have to get used to this horn - it's a bronco and it needs breaking in. Same thing I experienced with my Zephyr alto - the sound seems to take you all over the place. Ahhh, and it is so beautiful... the dark copper colored lacker, the silver neck, the way the keys feel to my fingers. Love it.

Re: Super 20 Fan Club

I now have spent two hours on my new horn. It has turned from a bronco into a big cadillac - its is indeed like sitting a car that is twice the one i drive usually. Man, what a possibilities! I tried out my different mouthpieces - early 80ies STM Link (with the long body) 9*, Berg & Larsen SMS 105/2, FL Sphere, and Phil-Tone Link 7*. The latter is the winner so far - gives me the flexibility and the sound that i want. It is incredible how it can turn into this raucous monster before I know it! I don't know... going through Body and Soul, starting out with a soft gentle tone, is like sitting on a Harley while waiting for the red light to turn to green - before you know it, you're off with a roar!
Strangely enough my B&L (which would by my high baffle mp, Grumps) didn't quite do it - but it is still early days, too soon for definitive conclusions.
The key work is fantastic. It is amazing to be able to combine this big tone with utter agility. It moves though the registers very easily too. Right now the lowes notes don't speak too easily, subtone is very hard from low d on. But that is a matter of a trip to the tech and a leak light, no doubt.

Re: Super 20 Fan Club

Played my ugly horn it at the jam in the Engelbewaarder last sunday - it delivers! It is a small bar that, when the jam is on, is jampacked with people - litterally packed. Drums are incredibly loud, there's no amplifcation save for the bass player and the odd guitar player. So to be able to cut through and still have a nice tone is something. I'm a fan!

Re: Super 20 Fan Club

Nice to hear that, haven't been to the Engelbewaarder in a while (I don't play, just watch!) however, Sean Bergin and Paul Stoker ( who played there before before together with Sean) never had a problem to cut the crowd sound absorption Goed Gedaan!

Re: Super 20 Fan Club

Originally Posted by milandro

Nice to hear that, haven't been to the Engelbewaarder in a while (I don't play, just watch!) however, Sean Bergin and Paul Stoker ( who played there before before together with Sean) never had a problem to cut the crowd sound absorption Goed Gedaan!

Thanks... Yes, Sean still cuts through right there - alweay lovely to hear him. He brings a Super 20 alto along every once in while, btw. I haven't seen Paul Stocker play in a long time - too bad, he was a fantastic player.